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CO lawmakers debate tuition for illegal immigrants

DENVER — A proposal to allow illegal immigrant students to pay in-state tuition is up for its first hearing of the legislative session today.

This is the fifth time Democrats have pushed for giving illegal immigrants the opportunity to attend college at the lower in-state cost.

Previous attempts have failed even when Democrats have controlled both chambers of the Legislature. Now, Republicans control the House and Democrats still have a majority in the Senate.

Under the bill, illegal immigrants must meet certain criteria to receive in-state tuition, such as attending a Colorado high school for at least three years and graduating from a state school. California, Illinois and Texas are among 11 states that grant in-state tuition to illegal immigrants.